Social Worker, Human Services​/ Social Work

Newly Qualified Social Workers (ASYE)

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic social worker to play a key role within the Social Care Direct team, which serves as the vital ‘front of house‘ for Adult Services and the first point of contact for both the public and professionals.

Social Care Direct is currently undergoing a programme of continuous improvement, focused on enhancing service delivery through the implementation of new technology, process improvements and innovative ways of working.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive and forward‑thinking team at a time of positive change, helping to shape and develop a service that is committed to improving the quality, efficiency and accessibility of support for adults with care and support needs.

If you are a Newly Qualified Social Worker, you will complete your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) in your first year with us, with structured support, protected development time and access to mentoring to help you build confidence and progress in your role.

Social Care Direct operates within a contact centre environment, bringing together Social Care Officers, Social Workers and Occupational Therapy staff.

Working as a multi‑disciplinary team, we act as the first point of contact for anyone seeking support from Adult Social Care.

• Receive contacts via telephone, email, and text message. Triage and prioritise enquiries to ensure individuals receive a timely and appropriate response.
• Complete referrals to send to the wider organisation.
• Liaise with professionals and external organisations to ensure coordinated support.
• Provide a professional, person‑centred service that ensures adults in County Durham get the right support at the right time.
• Apply a strengths‑based approach, recognising the abilities, resources, and networks that people and their communities can draw upon to promote independence and resilience.
• Complete safeguarding concerns and some section 42 enquires.

Social Care Direct Social Workers are responsible for the screening and triage of all adult safeguarding concerns reported to the service. They play a key role in assessing risk, ensuring concerns are responded to proportionately and in a timely manner, and facilitating escalation to a Section 42 safeguarding enquiry where required. The role involves effective information sharing and close partnership working with colleagues across health and social care, the police, and other agencies to safeguard adults at risk.

This is a fast‑paced environment where quick, informed decision‑making and timely action are essential to manage the high volume of safeguarding concerns received.

Social Workers must be able to analyse information effectively, assess risk, prioritise competing demands, and exercise sound professional judgement to ensure adults are protected and receive the most appropriate response.

In addition, Social Workers undertake research and preparation for MARAC, MATAC and MAPPA meetings and attend MARAC and MATAC meetings via Microsoft Teams on a rota basis, contributing to effective multi‑agency safeguarding.

The Social Workers within Social Care Direct play a vital role in supporting Social Care Officers, particularly in relation to Care Act responsibilities.

You will undertake all statutory duties in line with the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation, always placing the principle of promoting and supporting wellbeing at the centre of your practice.

Be confident in making timely and proportionate decisions, often in situations where information is complex or incomplete.

Be part of regular supervisions, support/carry out reflective practice, make full use of training and development opportunities.

You will be joining a supportive, multi‑disciplinary team that values collaboration and recognises the unique contribution of each member. Social Care Direct prides itself on fostering a positive working environment where professional curiosity, safeguarding responsibilities and strengths‑based practice are embedded in day‑to‑day work. Staff are encouraged to apply critical thinking, make proportionate decisions and work…